cello | Jen's Perspective Blog

September is classical music month. Classical music differs greatly from today’s standards. However, classical music sets stage for the music we have today.

Classical music has many periods and styles throughout its history. Classical music is actually broken into different smaller periods, each having their own differences. It is interesting to see just how much music has changed over time!

Classical Music Time Periods

(PLEASE NOTE: The dates of the time periods are only estimates since there are no exact dates for when each time period occurred/ began/ended)

Medieval (500ish – 1400) The music of this time was connected to the church. Forms of music from the early part of this period would be Gregorian Chants and Organum.

Some Composers From this Period: Hildegard von Bingen, Guillaume de Machaut

Renaissance (1400/1450 – 1600) The Renaissance era brought many new ideas and gave a little bit more freedom from the church, which allowed for more experimentation with music. The printing press, invented in the 1400’s, also allowed for music to be printed. Instrumental music was developed as well.

Some Composers From this Period: William Byrd, Claudio Monteverdi, Josquin Des Prez

Baroque (1600 – 1750) The music of the Baroque was very ornate. This period also had the creation of the concerto, canata, oratorio, and the sonata. There were advancements with instruments as well.

Some Composers From This Period: Johann Sebastian Bach, Georg Frideric Handel, Antonio Vivaldi

Classical (1750/1775 – 1820) Classical era music was more simple/cleaner than Baroque music, and focused more on the melody. Dynamics (the change in volume) were important. The woodwind section of the orchestra was added during this period.

Some Composers From This Period: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig Van Beethoven*, Franz Joseph Hayden

*Beethoven is considered to be a bridge between the Classical and the Romantic periods

Romantic (1820 – 1910) Romantic pieces are know for being very expressive and emotional. The orchestra saw much growth in this period with the expansion of the woodwind and brass section.

Some Composers From This Period: Frédéric Chopin, Franz Liszt, Richard Wagner, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Johannes Brahms

CELEBRATE

Find some classical music to listen to alone or with friends and family. If there is a concert you can go to, go with a few friends or family. If you want to learn how to play an instrument, then go out and find a place to do so. You can learn from various resources such as books, websites, or find a private tutor in your area. If you’re in school, then consider taking band or joining a music club. There are plenty of ways to celebrate! Use #ClassicalMusicMonth to post on social media.

Hildegard von Bingen: 11,000 Virgins - Chants for the Feast of St. Ursula#ClassicalMusicMonth — Hildegard von Bingen: 11,000 Virgins – Chants for the Feast of St. Ursula

Gregorian Chant for Meditation Chant Music for the Soul#ClassicalMusicMonth — Hildegard von Bingen: 11,000 Virgins – Chants for the Feast of St. Ursula

Each year on May 22 we observe National Buy a Musical Instrument Day. The day is all about playing music. If you are a musician, it might be time for a new instrument. Maybe you can learn to play a second or third one. If you have never played an instrument before, National Buy A Musical Instrument Day might be the motivation you need to start.

National Buy a Musical Instrument Day is not just for school-aged children. This observation is for people of all ages. Grandpa can play his ukelele while the grandkids play the drums, trombone, and flute. Together they can all make terrific music!

While most of us will only view this as a hobby, I can say from teaching hundreds of adults, yes this is possible. Even if you only sing, play by ear or are interested in playing from music I can tell you it is definitely something that everyone can do to a degree.

Musical Instruments — Find an instrument that suits you. My husband is a professional musician and his keyboard is played in real-time live performances. It has the ability to sound like a $40,000 grand piano, to an electric guitar. With brass, reed and almost anything you might want in between.

Scottlmusic — Check out his site with live music he performs.

NATIONAL BUY A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT DAY HISTORY

While ununable to find any information on the fonder. Evidence supporting National Buy a Musical Instrument Day was originally May 18 in honor of Meredith Willson, the writer, and composer of The Music Man. While the plot of The Music Man and Willson’s hometown inspiration for the book, musical, and film have a delightful kinship to this day, at this time we are unable to confirm the origin of this day.